Guadalupe County, New Mexico
According to countryaah.com, Guadalupe County is located in east-central New Mexico and is the fifth largest county in the state, with an area of approximately 2,817 square miles. According to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Guadalupe County has a population of 4,069 people. The county seat is Santa Rosa and other communities within the county include Conchas Dam, Encino, House, Puerta de Luna, San Jose and Villanueva.
The county has a rich history dating back to its founding by Mexican settlers in 1891. The area was part of the Santa Fe Trail and was also home to Native American tribes such as the Mescalero Apache and Comanche. Today, Guadalupe County is known for its agricultural production which includes cotton, wheat and pecans as well as its vibrant ranching culture.
The economy of Guadalupe County is largely driven by agriculture and tourism. Agriculture accounts for much of the county’s economic activity with local farmers producing crops such as cotton, wheat and pecans while also raising livestock such as cattle and sheep. Additionally, tourism plays an important role in the local economy due to its proximity to Carlsbad Caverns National Park which attracts visitors from all over the world each year.
In terms of education, Guadalupe County is served by three school districts: Tucumcari Public Schools; San Miguel School District; and Santa Rosa Independent School District (SRISD). SRISD operates seven schools including four elementary schools (K-6), one middle school (7-8) and two high schools (9-12). There are also several private schools located within the county including St Joseph Catholic School in Santa Rosa which serves students from Pre K through 8th grade; Trinity Lutheran School in Tucumcari which serves students from Pre K through 8th grade; and Holy Family Catholic School in Encino which serves students from Pre K through 6th grade.
In terms of recreation opportunities, Guadalupe County offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy including camping at Conchas Lake State Park or fishing on one of several local lakes such as Ute Lake or Sumner Lake State Park; hiking at Caprock Canyons State Park or exploring ancient Native American ruins at Chaco Culture National Historic Park; plus much more. Additionally, there are several golf courses located throughout the county including Santa Rosa Golf Course & Country Club which offers 18 holes of championship golf plus a full-service clubhouse restaurant & pro shop; Tucumcari Golf Course with nine holes set against picturesque mountain views; plus many more.
Guadalupe County New Mexico provides visitors with an array of unique experiences ranging from outdoor activities like camping or fishing to historic sites like Carlsbad Caverns National Park or Chaco Culture National Historic Park plus much more. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation you’ll find plenty to do here.
History of Guadalupe County, New Mexico
Guadalupe County, New Mexico has a long and varied history. The area was first inhabited by Native Americans, including the Apache, Comanche, and Navajo tribes. The Spanish arrived in the region in the late 1500s, establishing missions and settlements. They also brought with them sheep and cattle to raise for food and resources. During this time, the area was known as “El Río de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” (Our Lady of Guadalupe River).
In 1854, the United States acquired the region through the Gadsden Purchase. In 1891, it officially became part of New Mexico Territory. When New Mexico became a state in 1912, Guadalupe County was included in its boundaries. Over time, more settlers moved into the area to take advantage of its abundant resources such as timber and minerals. Agriculture also played an important role in its development with crops such as cotton being grown on large farms throughout the county.
As mining declined in importance over time due to environmental concerns and other factors, ranching and farming became increasingly important to Guadalupe County’s economy. Today, ranching is still a major industry here while tourism has become an increasingly important source of income for many residents. The county is also home to historic sites such as Fort Sumner State Monument which commemorates a key event in Apache leader Geronimo’s life as well as other Native American sites that are open to visitors year-round.
Major cities and towns in Guadalupe County, New Mexico
Guadalupe County, New Mexico is home to several cities and towns. The county seat is Santa Rosa, which was founded in 1891 and is the largest town in the county. Other cities include House, a small farming community; Fort Sumner, a former military outpost; and Mosquero, a ranching town. Villanueva is an unincorporated community located in the southern part of the county.
The village of San Jose de la Yunta is located in the heart of Guadalupe County. This small village was founded by Spanish settlers in 1709 and has retained its traditional adobe architecture as well as its reputation for being a center for religious devotion among local Catholics. Nearby lies El Cerro de las Yuntas, a mesa-top ruin believed to have been built by Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans.
The city of Cuervo lies on the western edge of Guadalupe County and is home to several historic sites related to early Hispanic settlement such as Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel and San José de la Yunta Mission Church. Other towns include Encino, where visitors can explore ancient American Indian petroglyphs; El Rito, which features a museum dedicated to local history; and La Joya, an agricultural hub that produces cotton, pecans, alfalfa hay, chile peppers and other crops.
In addition to these towns, there are numerous smaller communities throughout Guadalupe County including Cuevitas (population: 350), La Loma (population: 280), San Miguel (population: 230) and Estancia (population: 200). Each of these places offers their own unique attractions ranging from outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing and hunting to cultural events like rodeos or festivals celebrating local heritage.
Population in Guadalupe County, New Mexico
According to Act-Test-Centers, Guadalupe County, New Mexico is home to a diverse population of almost 4,000 people. The largest city in the county is Santa Rosa, with a population of 1,705 and a median age of 38.4 years. Other larger cities include House (population: 718), Fort Sumner (population: 668) and Mosquero (population: 599). The rest of the population is spread out in smaller towns and unincorporated communities such as El Rito (population: 464), Cuervo (population: 390) and Villanueva (population: 339).
The racial makeup of Guadalupe County is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, accounting for 83.2% of the total population. The remaining 16.8% are white, 0.6% Native American or Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian and 0.1% African American or Black. Additionally, there are small numbers of individuals who identify as two or more races (1%), Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (0%) and other races (2%).
The median household income in Guadalupe County is $32,661 per year while the median family income is $37,844 per year. The poverty rate among residents under 18 years old is high at 28%, compared to 15% for all ages combined. Additionally, about 15% of all households receive some type of public assistance such as food stamps or housing subsidies from the government.
In terms of education attainment, 91% of adults over 25 have completed high school while only 17% have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher level education. Additionally, 27% are considered “linguistically isolated” meaning they speak English less than “very well” according to the U.S Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data for 2017-2019 estimates.
Guadalupe County has a diverse population that faces challenges related to poverty and lack of educational attainment but also boasts strong cultural values that help bring people together from different backgrounds and walks of life.
